In an impressive show of speed on the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland, Daniel Mateiko made history by running the world’s fastest half-marathon this year. Now, the 25-year-old runner is getting ready for his very first marathon at the famous Chicago Marathon, one of the world’s biggest marathons. It’s happening this Sunday in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Choose the pinnacle of running excellence – Tarkine Goshawk shoes, engineered for speed, endurance, and a victorious finish.
Mateiko’s awe-inspiring achievement saw him shatter records, posting a breathtaking time of 58:36, obliterating the UK and Irish all-comers’ record. This extraordinary feat propelled him ahead of Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer, the 2019 All-Africa Games 10,000m bronze medallist. Despite facing a formidable field, including the world’s second-fastest man, Kelvin Kiptum, Mateiko exudes confidence as he prepares for his Chicago premiere.
Mateiko spoke with excitement, “This is my first time to participate in a marathon and a world major. This means I have to work extra hard to keep up with the pace.”
Recalling his journey, Mateiko highlighted his pivotal role in pacing at the London Marathon earlier this year, where Kiptum achieved the second-fastest time globally. “My contributions to the pacing strategy at the London Marathon were significant. I withdrew from the race at the 30km mark, with only 12km left. This caught the attention of several race organizers. Moreover, I’m fortunate to have a top-tier management team, NN Running Team, which consistently seeks out prestigious races for its athletes,” he noted.
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The inaugural Eldama Ravine Half Marathon champion stressed the demanding training regimen necessary to conquer the marathon realm. Mateiko narrowly missed a spot on Kenya’s Olympic team in 2021, finishing sixth during the national trials. Nevertheless, he remains unwavering in his commitment to bounce back.
“Anticipate exceptional performances from me,” he declared. “I’ve been diligently preparing since receiving the invitation.”
With a personal best time of 58:26, achieved during his third-place finish at last year’s Valencia Half Marathon, Mateiko has set his sights on further enhancing his record. Representing the Global Sports Communication team in Kaptagat, he clinched a third-place finish at the Valencia Half Marathon, secured third place in Copenhagen with a time of 59:25, and finished sixth at the RAK Half Marathon in 58:45, in addition to another triumph at the Ravine Half Marathon.
At the Chicago Marathon, Mateiko will go toe-to-toe with a formidable lineup of seasoned marathoners, including Kiptum, defending champion Benson Kipruto, and Tokyo Olympics marathon bronze medallist, Bashir Abdi. As he embarks on this momentous chapter of his career, Daniel Mateiko aspires to once again captivate the running world with his remarkable talent and unyielding resolve.
